Ms. Ruby Graham

Ruby Graham was born on April 1, 1930, to the union of Ernest and Irene Brown in Buena Vista, Arkansas. Ruby accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age at Sweet Home Baptist Church and was a devoted member. While still residing as a young woman in Arkansas, Ruby met and married Jeff Cooper. Two sons were born to this union, Floyd and James. In her later years, a now divorced women and mother, Ruby moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she resided for several years before later deciding to relocate to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. During her years in Washington, Ruby met and married Melvin Graham. She became a dedicated member and usher of Central Baptist Church. Ruby worked various jobs during her younger years, but she invested herself fully as a dedicated and dependable employee with the Woodward & Lathrop Department Stores. She started as an inspector. and was later promoted to department manager, where she remained for more than 22 years until her retirement. In 2003, Ruby returned to Milwaukee, WI in the Midwest and be closer to her siblings. Now retired, shy soon became a devoted member and usher of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained. As a young Black woman navig6ting life through the 40's, 50's, 60's, etc., over 95 years. Ruby has seen a tremendous amount of change, reconstruction, invention, and developments that most of us take for granted. Her love for travel, reading, sewing, power walking, shopping, and visiting family and friends of varied states and cities was her greatest joy. She had a quiet, graceful demeanor 'and always offered a helping hand. Ruby Graham departed this life on November 27, 2025. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Irene and Earnest Brown; son, Floyd Cooper; brothers, JT Brown, JB Brown, Herman Brown, LT Brown, Earnest Brown II, Hank Brown, and Henry Brown; and sisters, Hazel Brown, Verda Lottie, and Francis Brown Sellers. She leaves to cherish her life and memory: son. James (Betty) Cooper of Dallas, TX; 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, special-lifelong friends, Dorothy Mason, Celeste McKinley, and Virginia Harris, and a host of other relatives and friends. PSALM 100:4-5 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.

Ms. Ruby Graham

April 1, 1930 - November 27, 2025